Islamabad (Web Desk): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reaffirmed the US commitment to the people of Pakistan, announcing the additional $10 million as food security assistance to the already announced $56.5 million in flood relief and humanitarian assistance.
The US Secretary of State said this during a meeting with Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari where they had a "good and engaging and extensive conversation" on a host of issues.
According to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO), FM Bilawal apprised Secretary Blinken about the devastation caused by the cataclysmic floods with more than 33 million people displaced and a huge loss of lives and livelihoods.
He highlighted the relief efforts of the government and people of Pakistan and thanked the US government for its assistance.
"No country can deal with a crisis of this proportion on its own," FM Bilawal said, emphasizing that Pakistan being one of the lowest emitters is ironically one of the most severely impacted by climate change," FM Bilawal said.
The foreign minister said that Pakistan was seeking climate Justice and looked towards its partners to assist us in recovering from this climate induced calamity.
FM Bilawal said that Pakistan was committed to building back better, greener and climate resilient infrastructure in areas such as irrigation, communication, energy, agri-technology, and health. Immediate action is required to help developing countries effectively face the climate crisis.
The foreign underscored the historic and growing importance of Pakistan-US relationship in promoting peace, security, and economic prosperity in the region.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening and broadening its ties with the US particularly in the areas of trade and investment and underlined that both countries were celebrating 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in a befitting manner and were charting a promising and mutually-beneficial roadmap for their future generations.
The foreign minister thanked US side for continued support Pakistan following the devastating climate catastrophe in the country.
During the meeting, Mr Blinken expressed sincere condolences and solidarity with Pakistan over the loss of precious lives and monumental economic losses. He reaffirmed the US commitment to continue cooperating with Pakistan in meeting the challenges of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
He also maintained that, given Pakistan’s enormous potential, US private sector would like to invest in Pakistan including in energy sector.
As per the foreign office, FM Bilawal expressed the need to assist Afghanistan in averting the humanitarian crisis and underlined that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community to achieve peace, development and stability in Afghanistan.
The FO added that Secretary Blinken also thanked Pakistan for its support during the Afghan evacuation process.
Earlier, delegation level meeting held at State Department in which stock of enhanced bilateral engagement in trade, energy, food, health and areas of mutual interest and cooperation were discussed.
FM Bilawal thanked US side for continued support Pakistan following the devastating climate catastrophe in the country.
US Secretary of State Antony Blenkin, on the occasion said that the meeting was aimed to reaffirm our close partnership for economic prosperity, regional stability, and food security.
He also emphasized continued support for flood relief, including nearly 56.5 million dollars in aid.